Victim Assistance
Crime Victims in Texas Have a Right to:
In 1979, the Texas Legislature passed the Crime Victims’ Compensation Act, creating the Compensation to Victims of Crime Fund and the Crime Victims’ Compensation (CVC) Program. The primary purpose of the Fund is encouraging greater victim participation in the apprehension and prosecution of criminals and reimbursing innocent victims for certain out-of-pocket expenses incurred as a result of violent crime.
The Crime Victims’ Compensation (CVC) Program is supported through a legislative appropriation from the Compensation to Victims of Crime Fund. Revenue for the Fund is collected from convicted offenders through criminal court costs, fees, and fines, while victims of violence are assisted with expenses related to the crime.
The Crime Victims’ Compensation Program is administered by the Office of the Attorney General and is dedicated to ensuring that victims of violent crime are provided financial assistance for crime-related expenses that cannot be reimbursed by insurance or other sources.
State law requires that reimbursement first be sought from other sources, such as health insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, auto insurance, or Texas Workers Compensation. CVC program staff assists applicants in coordinating the use of all available resources.
Claims may be approved for benefits up to a total of $50,000. Individuals who suffer total and permanent disability as a result of the crime may qualify for an additional $75,000, which may be used for specific and limited expenses, such as lost wages, prosthetics, rehabilitation or making a home accessible, depending upon the law in effect on the crime date.
The financial assistance may be limited or unavailable depending on laws in effect when the crime occurred and is dependent upon the applicant providing necessary and required documentation.
- Be protected from further harm or threats for cooperating with prosecution efforts
- Have the victim's safety considered in the setting of bail
- Information about relevant court proceedings
- Information about a defendant's right to bail and the procedures in a criminal investigation and in the criminal justice system
- Provide pertinent information on the impact of the offense to be considered at the time of sentencing and parole
- Information about the Crime Victims' Compensation Program
- Information about parole procedures and to be notified upon the release of the defendant
- Be provided with a separate and secure waiting area for witnesses at a trial
- Prompt return of property held as evidence when it is no longer required
- Have employer notified if testimony requires absence from work
- Have counseling regarding acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS/HIV) if the offense creates the need
- Be present at all court proceedings related to the offense, subject to judge's approval
- Information and an explanation of these rights
In 1979, the Texas Legislature passed the Crime Victims’ Compensation Act, creating the Compensation to Victims of Crime Fund and the Crime Victims’ Compensation (CVC) Program. The primary purpose of the Fund is encouraging greater victim participation in the apprehension and prosecution of criminals and reimbursing innocent victims for certain out-of-pocket expenses incurred as a result of violent crime.
The Crime Victims’ Compensation (CVC) Program is supported through a legislative appropriation from the Compensation to Victims of Crime Fund. Revenue for the Fund is collected from convicted offenders through criminal court costs, fees, and fines, while victims of violence are assisted with expenses related to the crime.
The Crime Victims’ Compensation Program is administered by the Office of the Attorney General and is dedicated to ensuring that victims of violent crime are provided financial assistance for crime-related expenses that cannot be reimbursed by insurance or other sources.
State law requires that reimbursement first be sought from other sources, such as health insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, auto insurance, or Texas Workers Compensation. CVC program staff assists applicants in coordinating the use of all available resources.
Claims may be approved for benefits up to a total of $50,000. Individuals who suffer total and permanent disability as a result of the crime may qualify for an additional $75,000, which may be used for specific and limited expenses, such as lost wages, prosthetics, rehabilitation or making a home accessible, depending upon the law in effect on the crime date.
The financial assistance may be limited or unavailable depending on laws in effect when the crime occurred and is dependent upon the applicant providing necessary and required documentation.